Overview
Utanen is a 57.8 MW hydroelectric power plant in Finland, operated by Fortum Power & Heat Generation. It contributes to Finland's renewable energy grid with clean hydropower.
Utanen is a hydroelectric power plant located in Finland, with a generating capacity of 57.8 megawatts. The facility is owned and operated by Fortum Power & Heat Generation, a major Nordic energy company. As a hydroelectric plant, it plays a role in Finland's renewable energy portfolio, which is heavily reliant on hydropower. The plant operates under Finland's national energy regulations, which align with EU directives including the Industrial Emissions Directive and the Water Framework Directive. Hydropower plants like Utanen typically use run-of-river or reservoir-based technology, with low carbon emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. The 57.8 MW capacity places it in the small-to-medium scale for hydroelectric facilities in Finland. Utanen contributes to the regional grid stability and supports Finland's goal of carbon neutrality by 2035. Its location in a sparsely populated area minimizes local environmental impact, while providing clean electricity to surrounding communities. The plant's operational status ensures continued renewable energy generation for the Finnish power system.
Environmental context
As a hydroelectric plant, Utanen produces electricity with minimal direct CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions, supporting Finland's clean energy transition. The facility's location in a northern climate with abundant water resources allows for consistent generation. However, hydropower can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The plant's capacity of 57.8 MW is moderate, and its operation is subject to environmental permits under Finnish and EU water management regulations.
Frequently asked questions
Utanen is located in Finland, with coordinates approximately 64.73° N, 26.50° E. It operates in a rural area with access to water resources for hydropower generation.
Utanen has a generating capacity of 57.8 megawatts, making it a small-to-medium scale hydroelectric facility within Finland's hydropower fleet.
The plant is owned and operated by Fortum Power & Heat Generation, a leading Finnish energy company with a strong portfolio in hydro and nuclear power.
Hydroelectric plants in Finland must comply with the EU Water Framework Directive and national water permits, which regulate water flow, fish passage, and ecological impacts. The Industrial Emissions Directive also applies to larger facilities.
As a renewable hydroelectric plant, Utanen supports Finland's target of carbon neutrality by 2035 by providing low-carbon electricity and helping to balance the grid with flexible hydropower.